Ludwigsburg, Germany – Veteran center Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann has agreed to a contract extension with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, the club confirmed Friday. The announcement, made by Wohlfarth-Bottermann himself following a 98-84 win over the Frankfurt Skyliners, ensures the 36-year-old will continue his career with the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) team for another season.
Known affectionately as “WoBo” – a nickname displayed on his jersey – Wohlfarth-Bottermann is a mainstay in German basketball. With 472 appearances in the BBL, he currently holds the record for most games played by any player in the league’s history. He first debuted in December 2009 while playing for Telekom Baskets Bonn against the Tigers Tübingen, according to league records.
“There’s something to announce! Namely, that I feel highly comfortable in Swabia and you will spot me again next year,” Wohlfarth-Bottermann told fans after the victory over Frankfurt. The extension comes as a testament to his continued value both on and off the court for Ludwigsburg.
Wohlfarth-Bottermann’s commitment extends beyond simply playing time. He’s a proven winner, having secured two German Cups (2014, 2016) and two German Supercups (2013, 2014) throughout his career. He also led the EuroChallenge in blocks during the 2012-2013 season. His experience and leadership are highly valued by the Riesen.
This isn’t Wohlfarth-Bottermann’s first stint with Ludwigsburg. He previously played for the club from 2019 to 2022 before spending two seasons with the Veolia Towers Hamburg. He returns to a familiar environment where he has already made a significant impact, having participated in nearly 200 competitive games for the team.
While his role may be evolving as he enters his 36th year, Wohlfarth-Bottermann remains a productive player. This season, he’s averaging 4.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in just under 16 minutes per game across 22 appearances. His rebounding ability, in particular, continues to be a valuable asset for Ludwigsburg.
The veteran center also has international experience, having earned 27 caps for the German national team. He was part of the German squad that won a bronze medal at the 2022 EuroBasket tournament, though he last represented the DBB (German Basketball Federation) in February 2024 during an EM qualification loss to Bulgaria, as reported by multiple sources.
The decision to re-sign Wohlfarth-Bottermann speaks to the club’s commitment to stability and experience. Ludwigsburg is currently navigating a competitive BBL season, and having a player with Wohlfarth-Bottermann’s knowledge of the league and its opponents will be invaluable as they push for a playoff berth. For fans, it means another year of watching a beloved figure continue his remarkable career in German basketball.
Wohlfarth-Bottermann expressed his satisfaction with the decision, stating, “I feel comfortable here, can identify very well with the club’s identity, and everything has been right privately and professionally to stay here. I am happy that everyone is so happy that I am staying. That’s a good thing.”
The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg will next face the Löwen Braunschweig on March 29th. Fans can identify more information and ticket details on the team’s official website: https://www.riesen-ludwigsburg.de/.
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